Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Memecylon edule Roxb

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the leaves of the plant Memecylon edule Roxb. (Melastomataceae), which are used against burns by traditional practioners in Northeast of Thailand, were studied using in vivo models of inflammation and pain. Anti-inflammatory activity was determined by ethyl-phenylpropiolate-induced mouse ear edema; analgesic activity was studied by acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice [1]. Four sequential extracts of M. edule obtained with hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and 50% ethanol were studied. The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of M. edule possessed strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The topical application of 1.0 mg/ear of ethyl acetate extract inhibited the edema induced with ethyl-phenylpropiolate by 47.8% after 4 hours, an effect which is less intense than that produced by indomethacine at the same dose (62.4%). The ethyl acetate extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg orally produced significant inhibition of acetic acid induced writhing response by 56.6% which is of the same intensity as indomethacin at the dose of 10mg/kg. These results provide support for the use of M. edule leaves in relieving inflammation and pain. The ethyl acetate extract was also screened for secondary constituents. The extract showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenes. The research will continue with the isolation of the pure active chemical constituents.

Acknowledgements: The Thailand Research Fund (TRF).

References: [1] Recio, MC. et al. (2000) Life Sci.; 16: 2509–18.